Rainbows stage World Cup wheelchair tournament

England may be out of the World Cup but the final whistle hadn’t blown at Rainbows as children and young people took part in a football extravaganza.

Youngsters, staff and volunteers joined together to compete in a wheelchair football tournament at the hospice.

As well as the game, the children and young people, who all have life-limiting or terminal illnesses, were treated to face painting, half-time oranges, ice-creams and food from all over the world. There were also lessons in drumming and cheerleading.

England legend and Rainbows Patron Peter Shilton said: “Football is a wonderful way of uniting everyone, no matter what their ability is. It is fantastic to see that Rainbows held a World Cup Diversity Day where everyone could get involved. As a Patron, the work of Rainbows is so important to me and if I hadn’t had my own World Cup commitments, I would certainly have been there enjoying the fun and games.”

Marion Borg, head of HR at Rainbows, said: “As well as creating wonderful memories for the children and young people, yesterday also brought people together. At Rainbows, we believe in getting diversity off a piece of paper and in to reality and this type of event is the perfect opportunity for us to do that while everyone has a great time.”